Favourite pre-theatre Times Square restaurant?

[aces25]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 7:36pm

What's your favourite place for a bite before the theatre in Times Square? 

[Susanswerphone]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 8:01pm

Junior's

Glass House Tavern

Pigalle

 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 8:10pm

Been to all 3. You cannot go wrong with any of them. It all depends what show you are seeing.

[Tom5]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 8:12pm

I never have dinner before seeing a play. That's because I don't want to keep checking my watch between conversations or hope the waiter isn't slow.  Having dinner afterward means you can have a relaxing meal in any part of Manhattan. Plus many of the restaurants in the theater district are kind of  - nice word -  touristy. (Bring Goobers)

[Susanswerphone]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 8:21pm

Tom5 said: "I never have dinner before seeing a play. That's because I don't want to keep checking my watch between conversations or hope the waiter isn't slow.  Having dinner afterward means you can have a relaxing meal in any part of Manhattan. Plus many of the restaurants in the theater district are kind of  - nice word -  touristy. (Bring Goobers)

Yes. By all means, bring Goobers to the theatre. Or better yet, buy them at the theatre. That way, you get to pay premium prices to annoy the **** out of everyone around you listening to you chomp away while people are on stage. Working.

 

 

"

 

[pacificnorthwest]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 8:22pm

Not necessarily pre-theater, and not fancy... I offer this suggestion only for those looking for one of, maybe the, yummiest veggie burger I've ever had -- HB Burgers on 43rd (next to its parent restaurant, Heartland Brewery). I also love the inspired tiny dessert they offer -- a hot-fudge sundae in a shot glass.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 8:23pm

Make dinner reservations for 5:30pm.  You'll NEVER be late for an 8pm curtain.  No matter now slow service is.  I'm still baffled when people make 7pm dinner reservations with tickets to an 8pm show at a theatre several blocks away.  Seriously folks?  Unless your meal is already waiting at your table, you ain't gonna make it dumbass. 

 

My favorite restaurant in mid-town is Gallagher's on W. 52nd Street (next to the Neil Simon Theatre). 

 

 

[ZellMorrowsPledge]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 8:30pm

Juniors salad is something that isn't too heavy but still satisfiyingly filling

[AC126748]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 9:24pm

What kind of cuisine do you want to eat and what kind of money do you want to spend?

[MadonnaMusical]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 9:25pm

#1. Junior's

#2. Hourglass Tavern

#3. Glass House Tavern

... and anything on Restaurant Row or 9th ave when those three are too packed... (which is often)... Junior's is usually VERY packed, but your food comes out so fast that it doesn't matter... they WILL get you to your show on time. It's the place to go when you're in a rush, not when you're lounging and killing time, because the people waiting for a table in the lobby might shoot you ugly looks if you camp at your table while they wait to be seated. If you have a lot of time I'd go to Glass House or Hour Glass... but those places are not known for their speed so if they are too packed just go anywhere that is empty, lol. When you're down to like 15 minutes to curtain and you absolutely must get something to eat in your stomach to hold you over... I usually grab a slice of pizza at Patzeria on 46th or the new City Kitchen at the Row Hotel has a fast and fun food court with lots of great options though you will probably have to stand while you eat, and it's just as pricey as a sit-down restaurant. 

Hope that helps! 

[Tom5]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 9:27pm

I still maintain dinner after the show is better. If you're with friends you might have something new and interesting to discuss like...the show you just saw!

[RaiseYouUp]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 9:39pm

I really enjoy Osteria al Doge. As long as I don't order the creme gnocchi, it's way too filling.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 10:04pm

I second Osteria. We used to go there a lot when we attended more than we do now.

[hork]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 11:02pm

Tom5 said: "I still maintain dinner after the show is better. If you're with friends you might have something new and interesting to discuss like...the show you just saw!

 

But who wants to wait until 10 or 11 to eat dinner? And be hungry during the show?

 

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 11:15pm

It works out if you are going to a matinee

[Someone in a Tree2]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 11:27pm

Another vote for both Pigalle on 8th Ave up near 50th, and for City Kitchen at Row Hotel at 8th Ave and 43rd. Both get you through super fast and are decent food for a decent price.

[_IrisTInkerbell]

Posted: 2/26/16 at 11:40pm

I second HB Burger, we discovered it fairly recently when we couldn't get a table at Tony's. The food it yummy, it's super cheap for that area and it's pretty big and wasn't even nearly full either time we went.

I also really like Tony's, but you have got to make a reservation if you're going for dinner. Lunch is fine without one.

If you like Thai food, Yum Yum Bangkok (?) on 9th Ave is great, and so are many other places on 9th, but they are all tiny, so it's not a good option with a big group.

 

Another question. Where do people eat around Carnegie Hall / City Center? I always struggle to find something around there that doesn't cost a fortune but isn't a Deli either... 

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 2/27/16 at 1:55am

Not exactly Times Square but I love Scarlattos and Gyu-Kaku. City kitchen is good too for a fancy fast food type of option. 

[Ennie]

Posted: 2/27/16 at 2:49am

Dafni (delicious Greek), Turco Mediterranean Grill (bare bones decor, good food).

[dramamama611]

Posted: 2/27/16 at 6:14am

MOST places in that area can, and will get you out before curtain, as long as you tell them when you sit down.  Of course, the comment about time and making reservations is good, too.  I find that even sitting down at 6:30 you can be guaranteed enough time to both eat and get to the theatre without rushing.  I usually try to make the reservation for 6....but last month, had reservations at Havana Central (cuban food) and they didn't seat us until 6:20.  Told the waiter, and he assured us it was no problem, and it wasn't.

 

After?  We go for a nice drink or dessert to talk.  Perfect.

[madbrian]

Posted: 2/27/16 at 6:46am

Trattoria Trecolori has fantastic food at very reasonable prices.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 2/27/16 at 7:51am

Marseille

[tmbyru]

Posted: 2/27/16 at 8:12am

The Olive Garden :) all you can eat soup and salad!

[bandit964]

Posted: 2/27/16 at 9:06am

GYU KAKU all they way.  It's on 44th between 8th & 9th right next to Birdland.  They have a huge bar with small bites.  At the bar, all drinks and food are a special happy-hour price.  I would say there are over 30 seats in the bar area.  Never seem to have trouble getting a seat, or making it to a show ontime. 

[Emmaloucbway]

Posted: 2/27/16 at 9:56am

Kodama Sushi!

I also recommend City Kitchen- quick, good food, with lots of different options.